Abstract

Syn-orogenic extension has been recognised in Northern Sicily. Mesoscopic analysis has been carried out in three key areas, where folded-and-thrust Mesozoic-to-Tertiary rocks crop-out. The three examples are inherent to portions of tectonic units which occupy progressively more internal positions in the Sicilian chain from west to east. The extensional deformation is mainly represented by low-angle normal faults and shear bands. A common kinematic process seems to affect the other sector of the chain during the extension and is represented by a generalized negative inversion of previous layer-parallel shear bands and detachments related to the thrusting. The extensional deformation occurred during the late Miocene. It significantly modifies the architecture of the chain through the sliding-back of the tectonic units and may be related to the evolution of the wedge taper.

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